Haven't been around too much lately. Been working hard to wrap up a project before my year long contract ends AND been looking for a new job.

Good news is that a) I've finished my project (just in the nick of time) and b) I've found a job, and not just a contract but an actual job job (i.e. with benefits). Paid vacation. Best idea. Ever. Better still, the job is local. One company in Connecticut really wanted me to come out and work for them... but something local came along. Phew! Wasn't particularly looking forward to leaving the local mountains.

God willing, the new job will allow me to get back into serious hiking -- and even some backpacking (I hope, I hope), and I'll show up here a bit more.

Hope everyone is have a good holiday season. I have to say I got a pretty nice Christmas present this year.